The State government is giving highest priority to the welfare of aqua farmers and sustainable development of the aquaculture sector, which serves as a key pillar of the State’s economy and supports the livelihoods of lakhs of farmers, according to Fisheries Commissioner Ramashankar Naik.

In a statement on Wednesday, Mr. Naik urged the farmers and stakeholders not to be misled by unverified reports and speculation regarding shrimp feed prices and other aquaculture-related issues. He advised the farmers to rely on official information and approach the Fisheries Department officials for clarification on any concerns.

Mr. Naik explained that the recent increase in shrimp feed prices was primarily driven by rising global and domestic costs of key raw materials such as fish meal, soybean products, wheat derivatives, vitamins and minerals. Prices of fish meal and soybean products had reportedly risen by more than 25% in the past six months, significantly increasing production costs for feed manufacturers.

He said global supply chain disruptions, including export restrictions by major fish meal-producing countries such as Peru and Chile, had tightened supplies and pushed up prices internationally. Increased demand from countries, including China, Vietnam, Thailand and Indonesia, also contributed to higher domestic prices.

The Commissioner noted that the State government had taken up the issue with the Centre. Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu had written to the Union Commerce Ministry, seeking policy support for imports of soybean products used in shrimp feed manufacturing.

To ensure transparency in feed pricing, the government has constituted the ‘AP Shrimp Feed Ingredients Price Monitoring Committee’ through a recent G.O.

The committee comprises representatives from the MPEDA, CIBA, Fisheries University, feed manufacturers, aqua farmers’ associations, dealers’ associations and technical experts. It will monitor domestic and international raw material prices, analyse market trends and recommend scientific and transparent pricing mechanisms.

The Commissioner reiterated that the government remains committed to supporting aqua farmers through subsidised power, promotion of quality seed and feed, disease management, biosecurity measures, export promotion and scientific aquaculture practices aimed at improving productivity and farmer incomes.